One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet

Save this recipe on:

If your weeknight dinners need a little excitement, this One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet is about to become a staple. It combines the bold flavors of taco night with the comfort of creamy, cheesy pasta in one skillet. Perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty and satisfying without the pile of dishes.

Imagine tender rotini pasta wrapped in a rich, cheesy taco-infused sauce with perfectly seasoned ground beef and bursts of tomato. It’s everything you love about tacos transformed into a soul-warming pasta dinner that the whole family will crave. Bonus: it all comes together in one pan!

---

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cheesy Taco Skillet?

Rotini is a favorite for this dish because its spiral shape holds onto the creamy taco sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. However, penne or shells are great alternatives. The key is choosing a pasta that has some texture so it can grab all the cheesy, meaty goodness.

---

Ingredients for the One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet

Ground Beef: The base of the taco flavor, seasoned and browned to add depth to the entire dish.

Rotini Pasta: Its spirals trap the cheese and sauce, making each bite flavorful.

Taco Seasoning: The soul of the dish. You can use a packet or make your own blend for a custom spice level.

Diced Tomatoes (with juices): Adds acidity and texture, helping to build the sauce.

Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the pasta for that ultra-satisfying gooeyness.

Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics that build a flavorful base.

Beef Broth: Helps cook the pasta right in the skillet while deepening the flavor.

Cilantro (optional): A fresh finish to contrast the rich cheese and beef.

---

How To Make the One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Build the Flavor

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Add Seasoning and Tomatoes

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to coat the beef mixture. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, letting the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 3: Simmer with Pasta and Broth

Add the rotini pasta directly into the skillet, followed by the beef broth. Stir to combine and bring everything to a gentle boil. Cover and reduce the heat, simmering for about 12–15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed, turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating that ultra-creamy, cheesy texture.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot. This dish is comforting, flavorful, and all made in one pan—minimal cleanup, maximum taste.

---

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet

This pasta skillet is best served hot, straight from the skillet to your plate. It’s rich, cheesy, and filling on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad, tortilla chips, or even warm cornbread for a Tex-Mex twist.

For leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. It also reheats well in the microwave.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ground meat can I use instead of beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken work great as substitutes if you prefer a leaner option. You can even use a plant-based crumble for a vegetarian twist.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños when sautéing the onion and garlic, or mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes with the taco seasoning.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?

Nope! That’s the beauty of a one-pot recipe. The pasta cooks right in the same skillet with all the flavors, saving time and dishes.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, it freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How do I keep the cheese from getting clumpy?

Turn off the heat before adding cheese and stir gently but thoroughly. Shredding cheese from a block (instead of using pre-shredded) also helps it melt smoothly.

What other toppings can I add?

Try sour cream, sliced green onions, avocado chunks, or crushed tortilla chips for a fun crunch on top.

---

Want More Skillet Dinner Ideas?

If you love this One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet, you’ll definitely want to try these other skillet favorites from Life with Jam:

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a comforting creamy twist.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce if you’re craving meaty, cheesy goodness.
• Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for a southern-inspired favorite.
• Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli when you want something cozy and veggie-packed.
• One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for another easy, family-approved weeknight meal.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready whenever taco cravings strike.

And don’t forget to tag me when you make it! I love seeing how you put your spin on it. Did you go heavy on the spice? Add extra cheese? Let me know in the comments or tag me on Pinterest.

Looking for more cozy dinners and fun twists on family meals? Follow along on Pinterest at Life with Jam for daily inspiration.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: